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Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 13: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts after a play against Jamyest Williams #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA, S.C. — It took over a quarter for Texas A&M to get rolling, but the No. 22 Aggies (5-2, 3-1 SEC) fended off a second-half surge by South Carolina to etch a 26-23 road win Saturday afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Here are five takeaways from the game:

1. Aggies fend off Gamecocks to etch key win

This three-game road trip could be the make-or-break point of A&M’s season, and the Aggies started off on a high note.

Granted, A&M had to fend off South Carolina’s second-half comeback, but the defense rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

Furthermore, the Aggie offense relied on the arm of Kellen Mond to gut the Gamecocks as A&M was held to 105 rushing yards collectively. Still, running back Trayveon Williams scored the decisive touchdown with 1:36 to go despite only having 78 yards.

With the bye week coming up next, Saturday’s win will carry much-needed momentum into the second half of the season.

2. A&M TE Jace Sternberger provides passing game spark

Through the first 20 minutes, the Aggies were doing decent passing the ball, but were only getting short completions.

Tight end Jace Sternberger opened things up on A&M’s first scoring drive though, reeling in 53-yard catch by pulling a defender nearly 20 yards before capping it off with a 4-yard touchdown reception.

The touchdown was his sixth of the season and broke the school record for single season touchdown catches at the position.

For the game, Sternberger had seven receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.

On A&M’s final drive of the game, Sternberger reeled in a huge 23-yard catch on 3rd-&-7 that allowed A&M to shave off more time.

3. A&M DBs lock down talented USC WRs

Things looked dim when A&M’s top cornerback Debione Renfro was ejected for targeting in the first quarter, but the Aggie secondary responded well.

For the game, South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley went 17-of-35 passing for 223 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. However, Bentley threw a series of errant passes and missed several receivers. The Aggies also recorded five pass breakups.

Junior Charles Oliver made his biggest play of the season three plays after Renfro’s ejection, intercepting a one-on-one target to Josh Vann in the end zone for a touchback.

Sophomore Myles Jones filled in for Renfro and made a pair of key PBUs that likely saved two touchdowns, one against both Samuel and Edwards.

The A&M secondary sputtered in the third quarter, as the Gamecocks were 7-of-10 passing for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

A&M got things locked down when it mattered though, and were able to stop the bleeding before the Gamecocks completed their upset bid.

4. Start the #HeisMann campaign?

A&M punter Braden Mann may arguably be the Aggies’ best player thus far this season.

On Saturday, Mann continued to blast punts, averaging 52.2 yards per punt on four tries. He blasted a long of 67 yards and is one 60-plus yard boot away from tying the NCAA single season record for 60-yard punts.

On one of his “shorter” kicks, a 52-yarder, Mann stopped South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards on a big return, forcing a fumble which was then recovered by A&M’s Tyrel Dodson, the Aggies’ first fumble recovery of the season.

Against Clemson, Mann got a shoutout from Pat McAfee for his 73-yard punt out of his own end zone. Mann got another shoutout from McAfee on Saturday to start his Heisman campaign.

5. A&M offense comes to life at end of first half

Through the Aggies first five drives, they had accumulated only three points and punted three times. The other drive ended with a missed 42-yard field goal.

However, A&M came to life in the second half of the second quarter.

On the Aggies’ final two drives, A&M posted drives of 94 and 73 yards, respectively, increasing its lead to 13-0 headed into halftime.

Quarterback Kellen Mond found his groove after a steady 8-of-13 start for 88 yards. On the final two drives, he was 6-of-8 for 133 yards and a touchdown.

The finish helped the Aggies carry momentum into the second half.

Up Next

Just past the midway point of the season, A&M has its bye week.

The Aggies will have an extra seven days to rest, regroup and prepare for Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2 SEC), who’s bye week was this week.

The Bulldogs have struggled in league play thus far this season, but the Aggies have lost three-straight to them.